Olizzia

by John Bavoso

FULL-LENGTH: When Olivia and Lizzie, two best friends since college, planned their vacation to Rio de Janeiro, they were looking forward to booze, beaches, and beautiful Brazilian boys. What neither of them expected was to find their soul mate... in one another. But after a life-altering night in a rundown hotel, they must confront questions of romance, lust, friendship, and identity—and in doing so, discover...

FULL-LENGTH: When Olivia and Lizzie, two best friends since college, planned their vacation to Rio de Janeiro, they were looking forward to booze, beaches, and beautiful Brazilian boys. What neither of them expected was to find their soul mate... in one another. But after a life-altering night in a rundown hotel, they must confront questions of romance, lust, friendship, and identity—and in doing so, discover that the road to true love is rarely straight.

"First-time playwright John Bavoso’s inventive and appealing script for Olizzia would make a terrific indie rom-com caper that would be a hit on the lesbian-and-gay film festival circuit." — DC Metro Theater Arts

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Olizzia

Recommended by

  • Kim E. Ruyle: Olizzia by John Bavoso
    “

    Olizzia is a female-centered, fast-paced, and sexy romantic comedy. Lizzie and Olivia, one’s yin to the other’s yang, make for a great pairing. What starts as a risky misadventure becomes dangerous and leads to a riveting climax and a nice twist at the end. Outstanding!

    Olizzia is a female-centered, fast-paced, and sexy romantic comedy. Lizzie and Olivia, one’s yin to the other’s yang, make for a great pairing. What starts as a risky misadventure becomes dangerous and leads to a riveting climax and a nice twist at the end. Outstanding!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Olizzia by John Bavoso
    “

    Going off on vacation together has ended up much better than these best friends could have imagined! A beautiful play about love, fear and taking that leap!

    Going off on vacation together has ended up much better than these best friends could have imagined! A beautiful play about love, fear and taking that leap!

    ”
  • Molly Wagner: Olizzia by John Bavoso
    “

    These characters are great - with enough history to know all of the ins and outs of each other and a way. John has done a great job of creating a relationship where these two characters know each other so deeply that they know the right ways to hurt and heal one another. Some really fun monologues for actresses in their twenties, too!

    These characters are great - with enough history to know all of the ins and outs of each other and a way. John has done a great job of creating a relationship where these two characters know each other so deeply that they know the right ways to hurt and heal one another. Some really fun monologues for actresses in their twenties, too!

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Lizzie
    An American woman in her mid-20s to early 30s, any race. She is slightly grungy, can be brash, in-your-face, and sexually explicit with a strong independent streak that borders on selfishness. Her bravado, however, masks a tension between her deep skepticism of romance and monogamy and her fear that she may be incapable of loving anyone else.
    Mid 20s to Early 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Olivia
    An American woman in her mid-20s to early 30, any race. She has a classic, vintage vibe. She is quiet, earnest, thoughtful, and bookish, but will respond with a surprising fierceness when she or someone she cares about is threatened. Despite having a history of serial monogamy, she worries about the possibility of never finding "the one."
    Mid 20s to Early 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Trevor
    An American expat living in Brazil, any age and any race. He is dignified with an air of seriousness and professionalism that is out of place with his rundown surroundings. Undercutting his formality, however, is a barely contained sense of superiority and sarcastic wit.
    Any
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Paul
    An American expat living in Brazil, any age and any race. He is young and a laid-back surfer type. He is charming, but in a way that occasionally reveals a more sinister side underneath.
    20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Production History

  • Fringe, Unicorn Wrangler Theatre Company, 2014